DRC opposition coalition C64 rejects president tshisekedi’s national dialogue proposal

The C64 coalition has unequivocally rejected President Félix Tshisekedi’s latest initiative for a national dialogue, labeling it as a mere diversion from the profound and pressing issues confronting the Congolese populace. The opposition bloc asserts that the current administration is substituting genuine, inclusive national discourse with ineffective approaches, failing to address the true concerns of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following five hours of intensive deliberation, the coalition’s unified stance was articulated by Martin Fayulu. He declared, « The people are not deceived. These repeated consultations by Félix Tshisekedi neither tackle the urgency of war, nor the rampant insecurity, nor the ongoing health crisis, nor the severe social distress experienced by Congolese citizens. They merely steer the nation away from its authentic priorities. » This statement underscores the C64’s conviction that the proposed dialogue is a political maneuver rather than a sincere effort to resolve the country’s challenges, a significant point in current Africa politics English discussions.
Opposition leaders further accuse President Tshisekedi of being « cynically preoccupied » with securing his grip on power beyond his second term, which is slated to conclude in 2028. They contend that the government is actively creating conditions for a power extension, exploiting the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the eastern part of the country as a political tool. The C64 firmly opposes Félix Tshisekedi’s perceived ambitions, fearing he is prepared to consolidate the balkanization of the nation, even as his mandate approaches its end, set for 754 days from now.
In response to what it describes as a dangerous political drift, the C64 coalition is committed to mobilizing citizens across the country. The group has reiterated its call for a substantial national march, scheduled for September 15th, aiming to actively oppose the maneuvers of the ruling party and advocate for a more responsive governance in the DRC.
